What is a Callus?

Our bodies are remarkable at adapting to all sorts of stressors. When a muscle, tendon or bone is placed under regular strain, over time it will make itself bigger and stronger to deal with future physical loads. The skin is no different, for it too is a living and adaptable structure.

When an area of skin is repeatedly rubbed over time, its top layer thickens and toughens up to protect the more delicate layers below. In response to this shearing force, the skin forms a diffuse area of

What are Corns?

Corns are a result of the thickening of the skin in a funnel shape in certain areas on your feet, they can form on their own or within a callus.

There are a few different types of corns, and they can all cause you discomfort, pain and can affect your daily life and mobility.

Hard corns tend to occur on areas of focal pressure, such as on the bottom of your feet, tips of your toes and on the joints. They can be caused by the

What are Cracked Heels?

Cracked heels can range from annoying tags of dry skin that catch your bed linen and socks, to deep fissures that expose underlying capillaries and nerves. Needless to say, the latter often bleed and can be extremely painful. Whilst some people are afflicted year-round, for the majority it’s a seasonal problem that presents when the thongs come out for summer. Newcomers to our country will often say that they have never experienced the problem before coming here, for cracked heels are about as Australian as vegemite and

What are Bunions?

A bunion is a term to describe a lump on the inner aspect of the first knuckle of the foot. In this condition, the first toe is seen to deviate towards the second toe. As the first toe migrates towards the outside of the foot, its base is seen to bulge on the inner aspect. The enlarged joint poses a particular problem when fitting into enclosed shoes, often becoming rubbed and very sore.

The exact reasons behind bunions are a little uncertain and most likely multifactorial. The first toe

Let’s talk about Arch Pain

Out of sight, out of mind would be the attitude most people would have towards their feet. But laying way down there, beneath the entire body are two remarkably designed structures that have evolved to make us literally stand out from all other animals. Upright stance and walking enabled us to free up our hands and to develop our brains. Central to this accomplishment has been the arches of our feet.

The arch has been a building method employed by architects since ancient times due to its

As the weather changes and it heats up, we need to start caring for our feet differently. Summer comes along and we tend to ditch the closed in shoes and start wearing open sandals, thongs, walk barefoot, spend time in the sun, play outdoors and generally expose our feet to a whole lot more fun.
However, having fun in the sun can expose our feet to many different foot issues…

Summer Tip No. 1

Slip, Slop, Slap – the campaign launched in 1981 and is widely credited as playing a key role in

What is Plantar Fasciopathy?
Plantar fasciopathy (PF) is a common injury among people who spend a lot of time on their feet (nurses, tradesmen, hairdressers, etc). Most often called plantar fasciitis, (-itis implying inflammation only) plantar fascio-pathy is a term which does not discount inflammation, while also encompassing the likelihood of micro-tears in the plantar fascia.

What Does a Healthy Plantar Fascia Do?
The plantar fascia has many functions. It plays a key role, for example, in absorbing ground forces, supporting the arch, and appropriately redistributing the loads through our feet during gait.

Exercise Right Week is an annual public awareness campaign through Exercise & Sports Science Australia (the accrediting body of our Exercise Physiologists).

The aim of this campaign is to highlight the importance of exercise, physical activity and movement not only for physical health but also for mental well-being. It showcases that exercise doesn’t discriminate, it is in fact for everyone regardless of age, weight, background or health status. This campaign endeavours to help Australian’s understand where they can get the right advice for their individual needs. The answer lies in an

This one is a 4 Life favourite!
It is super quick and easy to make and is perfect as a snack or sweet
treat.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ingredients

95grams Medjool Dates
40ml Coconut Oil
125grams Natural Peanut Butter
100grams dark chocolate
1tsp Vanilla Extract
Pinch Salt
75grams Puffed Rice
1tbsp Honey or sugar free maple syrup

Method

Step 1
Grab a blender and combine the pitted dates, coconut oil, peanut butter, honey and vanilla extract until a thick paste forms. Add some warm water, a tbsp at a time if it won’t blend. Don’t add more than

Feeling a bit stressed in the New Year? Have an event or game coming up? Pre-Season about to start? Just started at the gym? Feeling sore after the gym for longer than usual? Or Feel like you’re always tired and achy?

This time of year can be intense and chaotic for everyone. You might be on a health kick, trying to eat well and exercise, kids are going back to School, there’s different sports happening and pre-season’s about to start. Maybe you’re just trying to get fit for Summer, preparing for